What is Freud’s general understanding of the role and function of civilization? Why does Freud believe we might be justifiably surprised by this ambivalence? How does Freud ultimately come to make sense of the tension between individuals and culture?

Civilization and culture.

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The main question Freud tries to answer in his Civilization and Its Discontents arises from the ambivalence he observes we all feel towards civilization and culture.

• What is Freud’s general understanding of the role and function of civilization?
• Why does Freud believe we might be justifiably surprised by this ambivalence?
• How does Freud ultimately come to make sense of the tension between individuals and culture?
• What specific role does his idea of the death drive (i.e., the aggressive instinct) play in these conclusions? (In your discussion, be sure to address the ways in which the aims of civilization can both work with and be in tension with the aims of the individual psyche.)
• Do you find his arguments and conclusions persuasive? If so, why? If not, why not?